RIYADH -- Visiting Chinese President Hu Jintao held talks here with Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Secretary-General Abdul-Rahman Al-Attiyah on Saturday.

President Hu spoke highly of GCC's role in maintaining peace and stability in Gulf region and boosting regional economic development, as well as its contribution to international energy markets.

Hu said China, as a significant cooperative partner of the GCC and its member states, would strengthen bilateral coordination to benefit the people of both sides.

President Hu noted both sides should beef up economic and trade cooperation, speed up free trade agreement negotiations and deepen cooperation in the energy sector.

The GCC, established in 1981, consists of six Arab countries, namely Oman, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirate.

Al-Attiyah said the GCC encouraged its member states to promote relations with China. He added the GCC appreciated China's active attitude in free trade negotiations and hoped to come to a free trade agreement as soon as possible.

The secretary-general also applauded China's active stance on the issues such as the peace process in Middle East, the rebuilding of Iraq as well as the Iran nuclear program, in which he expected China to play a bigger role.